No money for Phagwa

“HINDUISM is in the good hands of our youths, but the government does not want to support our culture.” So said Maha Sabha Secretary General Sat Maharaj when he addressed the Third Annual Hindu Youth Festival yesterday on the grounds of Maha Sabha Headquarters in St Augustine. Maharaj expressed disappointment at the government’s lack of interest in supporting Hinduism. He declared: “There are individuals out there who are trying to obliterate our culture. Last year, the government allocated $100,000 for Phagwa. This year the new budget is out and we have received nothing.” Maharaj said this  is one of the reasons why the Maha Sabha organised a Hindu Youth Festival. The festival aims to use religion and culture, to inculcate a sense of value in youths to live a meaningful life free of crime.

President of the National Youth Organ-isation, Pundit Lutchmidath Persad-Maharaj, said the membership of young people in temples has increased drastically in recent years. Maharaj said he was confident that through this networking of youths from various temples, Hinduism will survive. One of the highlights of yesterday’s event was a Queen Show which tested the youths’ knowledge of traditional Hindu dress. Other categories included a Local/Vocal contest and Social Commentary.